December 2008

Princeton University Press has published a new book, The Transatlantic Indian, 1776-1930 by Kate Flint.

"This book takes a fascinating look at the iconic figure of the Native American in the British cultural imagination from the Revolutionary War to the early twentieth century, and examining how Native Americans regarded the British, as well as how they challenged their own cultural image in Britain during this period. Kate Flint shows how the image of the Indian was used in English literature and culture for a host of ideological purposes, and she reveals its crucial role as symbol, cultural myth, and stereotype that helped to define British identity and its attitude toward the colonial world."

Chapter 1 is available online.

Posted at 08:27 AM | Permalink

The Canadian Press reports that the appointment of Patrick Brazeau, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, as Senator comes as no suprise.

Posted at 08:28 AM | Permalink

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude is requesting input from First Nation, Métis and industry stakeholders to review the new draft consultation policy framework. The current draft framework document is to be mailed out this week and the provincial government is seeking feedback from interested parties by the end of February 2009. The objectives of this policy framework are the protection of Treaty and Aboriginal rights and relationship building to sustain a stable investment climate.

Posted at 06:44 AM | Permalink

CBC news reports that Akitsiraq law school, established in 2001, will be working on its second batch of students.

Posted at 10:49 AM | Permalink

There is a court case reported in the Tax Court of Canada, Stigen v. The Queen, regarding taxation imposed on interest income from investments. Stigen's argued that this income was personal property situated on reserve and should come under section 87(2) of the Indian Act and should be exempt from taxation as per section 81(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act, but the court denied the exemption.

This case is reported in the Canadian Native Law Reporter 2008 vol. 4 at pages 207 to 222 and indexed as Stigen v. Canada.

Posted at 01:12 PM | Permalink

There is a court case reported in the Canadian Native Law Reporter* indexed as Okemow-Clark v. Lucky Man Cree Nation regarding band membership being taken away improperly and in contravention to the Indian Act.

The court case, on page 81, reinstated band members, "at least until a decision is properly made to exclude the applicants".

*Canadian Native Law Reporter 2008 volume 4 at pages 81 to101

Posted at 01:53 AM | Permalink

Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin, Mr. Justice Morris Fish and Mr. Justice Marshall Rothstein decided not to hear a case that called into question the Stonechild inquiry report's damning conclusions. With this denial the 2004 inquiry report into the 1990 hypothermia death of the 17 year old Aboriginal in Saskatoon became final.

Posted at 10:55 AM | Permalink

Three projects will receive more than $295,000 to enable the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations to strengthen their local economies through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program. The investment will assist in the development of three tourism-based projects.

Posted at 10:28 AM | Permalink

According to 2007 figures released by Statistics Canada, Aboriginal Canadians aged between 25 and 54 have an employment rate of 70.1%, below the 82.5% for non-Aboriginals. The gap was highest in Saskatchewan with a 66.4% Aboriginal employment rate, the lowest in Canada versus a 88.3% non-Aboriginal employment rate, the highest in Canada.

Posted at 07:11 AM | Permalink

Rob Clarke, M. P. for Desnethé-Missinippe-Churchill River announced funding to the Saskatchewan Labour Market Commission to undertake the Aboriginal Participation and Upskilling Initiative pilot project. This project is designed to help 150 Aboriginal workers develop and implement personalized learning plans to increase their employability.

Posted at 07:18 AM | Permalink

The Council of the Haida Nation says it was not consulted about Enbridge Inc.'s plans to run an oil pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C., and would never accept even if it did consult. The Haida fear West Coast waters will be at risk should spills occur. They are calling for an independent review.

Posted at 08:02 AM | Permalink

Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard was introduced to the Ministry's first female Aboriginal heavy duty apprentice in Yorkton. There are approximately 177 Aboriginal employees working for the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure out of a total of 1,544, or 11.4% of the workforce.

Posted at 08:05 AM | Permalink

Caroline Alphonso reports in The Globe and Mail that the Inuit have the top rate of lung cancer.

Posted at 09:20 AM | Permalink

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude announced a $200,000 grant to the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS) to enable effective participation in events surrounding consultation. A Supreme Court of Canada ruling on Duty to Consult stated the Crown should provide capacity to enable First Nation or Métis rights-bearing community's participation in government led consultation.

Posted at 07:07 AM | Permalink

James Youngblood Henderson was honoured in the Scholarly Award category at the 2008 Saskatchewan Book Awards for the book, Treaty Rights in the Constitution of Canada. This is Henderson's second Saskatchewan Book Award.

Posted at 07:14 AM | Permalink

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Minister Dan D'Autremont announced a $100,000 commitment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness and prevention. This will enable the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute to to ensure a multi-faceted approach to FASD prevention continues.

Posted at 06:21 AM | Permalink

Wade Hemsworth reports in the HamiltonSpectator that McMaster University has the highest number of Aboriginal students in medical schools.

Posted at 10:28 AM | Permalink